Light assembly for a projector

ABSTRACT

In one aspect, a light assembly is configured to be installed in a movie theatre projector and includes an adaptor configured to mechanically couple to a bulb mount of the projector, a primary LED Emitter mounting plate and LEDs attached to the primary LED Emitter mounting plate. The light assembly also includes a heat sink configured to dissipate heat from the primary LED Emitter mounting plate, a cooling fan configured to generate airflow across the heat sink, a lens mounting plate and a lens configured to collimate light emitted from the. LEDs, where the lens is disposed over the lens mounting plate. The light assembly also includes an attachment assembly configured to attach the lens mounting plate to the primary LED Emitter mounting plate. The adaptor may be manipulated to adjust a distance between the bulb mount of the movie theatre projector and the primary LED Emitter mounting plate.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. appl. Ser. No.15/467,712, filed Mar. 23, 2017, which claims priority from U.S.Provisional Appl. No. 62/312,101, filed Mar. 23, 2016, the contents ofwhich are incorporated herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to lighting fixtures forprojectors. More specifically, the present disclosure relates tolighting assemblies incorporating light-emitting diodes (LEDs)configured to retrofit to lighting fixtures previously incorporatingincandescent lamps.

BACKGROUND

Theatre, architectural and television projectors project high-intensitybeams of light. Currently, two primary types of basic projectors areAnalog Film Projectors and Digital Projectors. Both types of projectorsutilize very high quality incandescent or High-Intensity Discharge (HID)bulbs to create very intense light to illuminate the film or digitaldisplay and focus this display at a distance onto a movie screen.

However, these bulbs are very expensive and have a relatively shortlifespan. Currently, many projectors use a Xenon-Plasma HID bulb ratedat 3,000-5,000 watts to produce between 20,000 to 34,000 lumens (6-7LPW). The average lifetime for these types of bulbs is from 6 to 16weeks. This increases the cost of operation. These types of bulbs alsoproduce an excess amount of heat. Therefore, a high-performance coolingfan and sometimes a secondary roof mounted ventilation fan system isutilized to cool the projector. Further, the projection room requiresauxiliary air conditioning to keep temperatures at an acceptable level.

Moreover, plasma HID bulbs contain hazardous material, such as mercury.These bulbs are prone to explode. When they explode, they also damagethe projector. In fact, they are so volatile that they are shipped andstored in explosion-proof containment units to prevent bodily harm.

Accordingly, there is a need for an efficient, effective and safealternative to the bulbs currently used in projectors.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide a light assembly configuredto be installed in a high-lumen, high-wattage movie theatre projector.

According to some embodiments, a light assembly configured to beinstalled in a movie theatre projector includes an adaptor configured tomechanically couple to a bulb mount of the movie theatre projector, aprimary LED Emitter mounting plate and at least one LED directly orindirectly attached to the primary LED Emitter mounting plate. The lightassembly also includes a heat sink configured to dissipate heat from theprimary LED Emitter mounting plate and a cooling fan configured togenerate airflow across the heat sink. The light assembly furtherincludes a lens mounting plate and a lens configured to collimate lightemitted from the at least one LED, where the lens is disposed over thelens mounting plate. The light assembly includes an attachment assemblyconfigured to attach the lens mounting plate to the primary LED Emittermounting plate.

The attachment assembly may include a plurality of lens mountstandoffsthat attach the lens mounting plate to the primary LED Emitter mountingplate so as to maintain a predetermined distance between the at leastone LED and the lens. In other embodiments, the attachment assembly maybe configured to be manipulated to adjust a distance between the atleast one LED and the lens.

According to some embodiments, a light assembly configured to beinstalled in a movie theatre projector includes an adaptor configured tomechanically couple to a bulb mount of the movie theatre projector at afirst end of the adaptor, a primary LED Emitter mounting plate and atleast one LED directly or indirectly attached to the primary LED Emittermounting plate. The light assembly also includes a heat sink configuredto dissipate heat from the primary LED Emitter mounting plate and acooling fan configured to generate airflow past the heat sink. Theadaptor includes an elongated portion extending from the first end ofthe adaptor towards the primary LED Emitter mounting plate, where theadaptor is configured to be manipulated to adjust a length of theelongated portion so as to adjust a location of the primary LED Emittermounting plate in relation to a projector lens aperture.

According to some embodiments, a light assembly is configured to beinstalled in a movie theatre projector, the light assembly includes anadaptor configured to mechanically couple to a bulb mount of the movietheatre projector, a primary LED Emitter mounting plate and at least oneLED directly or indirectly attached to the primary LED Emitter mountingplate. The light assembly also includes a cooling assembly configured todissipate heat from the primary LED Emitter mounting plate and a lensconfigured to collimate light emitted from the at least one LED. Thecooling assembly may include a heat sink configured to dissipate heatfrom the primary LED Emitter mounting plate, a cooling fan configured togenerate airflow past the heat sink and/or one or more thermal pads incontact with the primary LED Emitter mounting plate.

According to some embodiments, a light assembly configured to beinstalled in a movie theatre projector includes an adaptor configured tomechanically couple to a bulb mount of the movie theatre projector, aprimary LED Emitter mounting plate and at least one LED directly orindirectly attached to the primary LED Emitter mounting plate. The lightassembly also includes a heat sink configured to dissipate heat from theprimary LED Emitter mounting plate, a cooling fan configured to generateairflow across the heat sink, a lens mounting plate and a lensconfigured to collimate light emitted from the at least one LED, wherethe lens is disposed over the lens mounting plate. The light assemblyfurther includes an attachment assembly configured to attach the lensmounting plate to the primary LED Emitter mounting plate.

The attachment assembly may include a plurality of lens mount standoffsthat attach the lens mounting plate to the primary LED Emitter mountingplate so as to maintain a predetermined distance between the at leastone LED and the lens. The attachment assembly may be configured to bemanipulated to adjust a distance between the at least one LED and thelens. For example, the attachment assembly may be configured to adjustthe distance between the at least one LED and the lens in response to arotation of the attachment assembly or a portion of the attachmentassembly.

According to some embodiments, a light assembly configured to beinstalled in a movie theatre projector includes an adaptor configured tomechanically couple to a bulb mount of the movie theatre projector at afirst end of the adaptor, a primary LED Emitter mounting plate and atleast one LED directly or indirectly attached to the primary LED Emittermounting plate. The light assembly also includes a heat sink configuredto dissipate heat from the primary LED Emitter mounting plate and acooling fan configured to generate airflow past the heat sink. Theadaptor includes an elongated portion extending from the first end ofthe adaptor towards the primary LED Emitter mounting plate, where theadaptor is configured to be manipulated to adjust a length of theelongated portion so as to adjust a location of the primary LED Emittermounting plate in relation to a projector lens aperture. The adaptor maybe configured to adjust the length of the elongated portion in responseto a rotation of the adaptor or the elongated portion.

According to some embodiments, a light assembly configured to beinstalled in a movie theatre projector includes an adaptor configured tomechanically couple to a bulb mount of the movie theatre projector, aprimary LED Emitter mounting plate and at least one LED directly orindirectly attached to the primary LED Emitter mounting plate. The lightassembly may include a cooling assembly configured to dissipate heatfrom the primary LED Emitter mounting plate and a lens configured tocollimate light emitted from the at least one LED. The cooling assemblymay include a heat sink configured to dissipate heat from the primaryLED Emitter mounting plate, a cooling fan configured to generate airflowpast the heat sink and/or one or more thermal pads in contact with theprimary LED Emitter mounting plate.

In one embodiment, the light assembly includes an adaptor configured tomechanically couple with a bulb mount of the movie theatre projector.The light assembly further includes a female socket rigidly connected tothe adaptor and a male socket configured to mate with the female socket.Moreover, the light assembly includes one more cooling fans configuredto generate airflow, where the one more cooling fans are attachable tothe male socket using a first attaching means. Yet further, the lightassembly includes a heat sink configured to dissipate heat, where theheat sink is attachable to the one more cooling fans using the firstattaching means; a first thermal transfer pad configured to conductheat, where the first thermal transfer pad is attachable to the heatsink using a second attaching means; a primary mounting plate configuredto be attached to the first thermal transfer pad using the secondattaching means; and a second thermal transfer pad configured to conductheat, where the second thermal transfer pad is attachable to the primarymounting plate using the second attaching means. Moreover, the lightassembly includes a board configured to be attached to the secondthermal transfer pad using the second attaching means, where an LEDArray is configured to generate light, where the LED Array is mounted onthe board. Technologies such as Surface-Mounted Device (SMD) and Chip onBoard (COB) may be used for the LED Array. Further, the light assemblyincludes a lens mounting plate configured to be attached to the primarymounting plate using a third attaching means, where the lens mountingplate is transparent to the light emitted by the LED Array; multiplelens mount standoffs configured to maintain a predetermined distancebetween the lens mounting plate and the primary mounting plate when thelens mounting plate is attached to the primary mounting plate; a lensconfigured to collimate light emitted from the LED Array, where the lensis disposed over the lens mounting plate; and a lens retainer configuredto be attached to the lens mounting plate using a fourth attachingmeans, where attaching the lens retainer to the lens mounting platesecures a placement of the lens on the lens mounting plate.

In another embodiment of a light assembly configured to be installed ina movie theatre projector, the light assembly includes an adaptorconfigured to mechanically couple with a bulb mount of the movie theatreprojector. The light assembly further includes one or more cooling fansconfigured to generate airflow, where the one or more cooling fans areattachable to the adaptor using a first attaching means. Further, thelight assembly includes a heat sink configured to dissipate heat, wherethe heat sink is attachable to the one more cooling fans using the firstattaching means. The light assembly also includes a first thermaltransfer pad configured to conduct heat, where the first thermaltransfer pad is attachable to the heat sink using a second attachingmeans. The light assembly further includes a primary mounting plateconfigured to be attached to the first thermal transfer pad using thesecond attaching means. Further, a second thermal transfer padconfigured to conduct heat, where the second thermal transfer pad isattachable to the primary mounting plate using the second attachingmeans. Yet further, a board is configured to be attached to the secondthermal transfer pad using the second attaching means. Multiple LEDs areconfigured to generate light, where the LED Array is mounted on theboard. Moreover, a lens mounting plate is configured to be attached tothe primary mounting plate using a third attaching means, where the lensmounting plate is transparent to the light emitted by the LED Array. Thelight assembly further includes multiple lens mount standoffs configuredto maintain a predetermined distance between the lens mounting plate andthe primary mounting plate when the lens mounting plate is attached tothe primary mounting plate. Moreover, a lens is configured to collimatelight emitted from the LED Array, where the lens is disposed over thelens mounting plate. Yet further, a lens retainer is configured to beattached to the lens mounting plate using a fourth attaching means,wherein attaching the lens retainer to the lens mounting plate secures aplacement of the lens on the lens mounting plate.

In another embodiment of a light assembly configured to be installed ina movie theatre projector, the light assembly includes an adaptorconfigured to mechanically couple with a bulb mount of the movie theatreprojector. Further, the light assembly includes one or snore coolingfans configured to generate airflow, where the one or more cooling fansare attachable to the adaptor using a first attaching means. Moreover,the light assembly includes a heat sink configured to dissipate heat,where the heat sink is attachable to the one or more cooling fans usingthe first attaching means. Further, the light assembly includes a firstthermal transfer pad configured to conduct heat, where the first thermaltransfer pad is attachable to the heat sink using a second attachingmeans. Yet further, the light assembly includes a primary mounting plateconfigured to be attached to the first thermal transfer pad using thesecond attaching means. Moreover, the light assembly includes a secondthermal transfer pad configured to conduct heat, where the secondthermal transfer pad is attachable to the primary mounting plate usingthe second attaching means. Further, the light assembly includes a boardconfigured to be attached to the second thermal transfer pad using thesecond attaching means. Yet further, the light assembly includesmultiple LEDs configured to generate light, where the LED Array ismounted on the board. Moreover, the light assembly includes a shroudconfigured to collimate light generated by the multiple LEDs onto aprojector lens comprised in the movie theatre projector, where theshroud is configured to be attached to the board.

Embodiments of the light assembly have a longer lifespan, which reducesthe cost of operation and makes the operation safer. Further, the LEDscontain no harmful materials and they pose no explosion hazard.Moreover, with the introduction of LED industrial lighting, there is anopportunity to utilize this ever-progressing technology for more andmore lighting opportunities. Until recently, an endeavor such as thiswas not possible due to the intense amount of illumination required to“throw” the images of a theater projector for such a long distance. Withthe advent of new Chips on Board (COB) array emitters and Surface MountDevice (SMD) arrays with unprecedented efficiencies, it is now possibleto create and maintain these high light outputs necessary for suchutilization.

The foregoing objects and advantages of the invention are illustrativeof those that can be achieved by the various exemplary embodiments andare not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the possible advantageswhich can be realized. Thus, these and other objects and advantages ofthe various exemplary embodiments will be apparent from the descriptionherein or can be learned from practicing the various exemplaryembodiments, both as embodied herein or as modified in view of anyvariation which may be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, the present invention resides in the novel methods,arrangements, combinations, and improvements herein shown and describedin various exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a projector bulb in a light assemblyused in theatres, according to prior art.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a light assembly configured to beinstalled in a movie theatre projector, in accordance with variousembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section view of the light assembly of FIG. 2 afterassembly.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of one end of the light assembly of FIG.2 installed in a movie theatre projector.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a light assembly configured to beinstalled in a movie theatre projector, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the light assembly of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a light assembly retrofitted in amovie theatre projector, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 8A-8B show perspective views of a light assembly retrofitted in amovie theatre projector and including an attachment assembly, inaccordance with sonic embodiments.

FIGS. 9A-9B show a perspective views of a light assembly retrofitted ina movie theatre projector with an adjustable adaptor, in accordance withsome embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

All descriptions are for the purpose of showing selected versions of thepresent invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the presentinvention. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the presentinvention are described with reference to the preceding figures, whereinlike reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsunless otherwise precisely specified.

The present disclosure relates to a light assembly configured to beinstalled in a movie theatre projector. The light assembly is configuredto replace one or both of an arc discharge lamp and an incandescentlamp. The light assembly includes an adaptor configured to mechanicallycouple with a bulb mount of the movie theatre projector. The adaptor mayinclude a cylindrical extension, where an external surface of thecylindrical extension includes screw threading configured to mate with acomplimentary screw threading comprised in an internal surface of thebulb mount. Further, the adaptor may be configured to receive electricalpower from the bulb mount when the adaptor is mechanically coupled tothe bulb mount. The bulb mount may correspond to one of an anode and acathode.

The light assembly further includes a female socket rigidly connected tothe adaptor and a male socket configured to mate with the female socket.Moreover, the light assembly includes one more cooling fans configuredto generate airflow, where the one more cooling fans are attachable tothe male socket using a first attaching means. The one more cooling fansmay include multiple cooling fans configured to be attached to eachother or on other areas of the light assembly heat sink using the firstattaching means.

Each of the multiple cooling fans may be configured to be simultaneouslyoperational. Further, one or more of the multiple cooling fans may beconfigured to be activated based on failure of one or more other coolingfan of the multiple cooling fans. Accordingly, the light assembly mayinclude a failure indicator device configured to indicate failure of acooling fan. Yet further, the light assembly includes a heat sinkconfigured to dissipate heat, where the heat sink is attachable to theone or more cooling fans using the first attaching means; a firstthermal transfer pad configured to conduct heat, where the first thermaltransfer pad is attachable to the heat sink using a second attachingmeans; a primary mounting plate configured to be attached to the firstthermal transfer pad using the second attaching means; and a secondthermal transfer pad configured to conduct heat, where the secondthermal transfer pad is attachable to the primary mounting plate usingthe second attaching means. The light assembly may also include a socketadaptor plate disposed between the male socket and the heat sink, wherethe socket adaptor plate may be configured to be attached to each of themale socket and the heat sink using the first attaching means. Further,the light assembly may include multiple spacers disposed between thesocket adaptor plate and the heat sink, where the multiple spacers maybe configured to maintain a predetermined distance between the socketadaptor plate and the heat sink when the socket adaptor plate isattached to the heat sink using the first attaching means.

Moreover, the light assembly includes a board configured to be attachedto the second thermal transfer pad using the second attaching means,where an LED Array is configured to generate light, where the LED Arrayis mounted on the board. The LED array comprises a plurality of LEDs.Technologies such as Surface-Mounted Device (SMD) and Chip on Board(COB) may be used for the LED Array and the board. The primary mountingplate with the LEDs may be considered to be a primary LED Emittermounting plate.

Further, the light assembly includes a lens mounting plate configured tobe attached to the primary mounting plate using a third attaching means,where the lens mounting plate is transparent to the light emitted by theLED Array. The light assembly may include multiple lens mount standoffsconfigured to maintain a predetermined distance between the lensmounting plate and the primary mounting plate when the lens mountingplate is attached to the primary mounting plate. These lens mountstandoffs may be considered to be part of an attachment assembly. Thelight assembly may also include a lens configured to collimate lightemitted from the LED Array, where the lens is disposed over he lensmounting plate, and a lens retainer configured to be attached to thelens mounting plate using a fourth attaching means, where attaching thelens retainer to the lens mounting plate secures a placement of the lenson the lens mounting plate.

According to further aspects, the light assembly may include an AC-DCconverter configured to convert alternating current to direct current,where the AC-DC converter may be configured to provide power to the LEDArray. Further, the AC-DC converter may include a power adjusterconfigured to adjust a power level supplied to the LED Array. Also, theAC-DC converter may be electrically connected to the adaptor, where theadaptor is configured to receive electrical power from the bulb mount.Moreover, the AC-DC converter is configured to be attached to the lightassembly by using a fifth attaching means.

According to further aspects, the light assembly may include a shroudconfigured to collimate light generated by the LED Array onto aprojector lens comprised in the movie theatre projector. Further, thelight assembly may include an adjustment rod configured to adjust analignment of the light assembly in relation to the projector lens, wherea foot portion of the adjustment rod may be configured to be immovablymounted on a base of the movie theatre projector, wherein a head portionof the adjustment rod may be movably attachable to the shroud.

According to further aspects,the adaptor may be further configured toform a tight contact with an interior surface of a projector shroudcomprised in the movie projector, where the tight contact directs airflow for cooling, where the light assembly may be configured to bedisposed within an interior volume of the projector shroud.

According to sonic aspects, a light assembly configured to be installedin a movie projector is disclosed. The light assembly includes anadaptor configured to mechanically couple with a bulb mount of the movietheatre projector. The light assembly further includes one or morecooling fans configured to generate airflow, where the one or morecooling fans are attachable to the adaptor using a first attachingmeans. Further, the light assembly includes a heat sink configured todissipate heat, where the heat sink is attachable to the one or morecooling fans using the first attaching means. The light assembly alsoincludes a first thermal transfer pad configured to conduct heat, wherethe first thermal transfer pad is attachable to the heat sink using asecond attaching means. The light assembly further includes a primarymounting plate configured to be attached to the first thermal transferpad using the second attaching means. Further, a second thermal transferpad is configured to conduct heat, where the second thermal transfer padis attachable to the primary mounting plate using the second attachingmeans. Yet further, a board is configured to be attached to the secondthermal transfer pad using the second attaching means. Multiple LEDs areconfigured to generate light, where the LED Array is mounted on theboard. Moreover, a lens mounting plate is configured to be attached tothe primary mounting plate using a third attaching means, where the lensmounting plate is transparent to the light emitted by the LED Array. Thelight assembly further includes multiple lens mount standoffs configuredto maintain a predetermined distance between the lens mounting plate andthe primary mounting plate when the lens mounting plate is attached tothe primary mounting plate. Moreover, a lens is configured to collimatelight emitted from the LED Array, where the lens is disposed over thelens mounting plate. Yet further, a lens retainer is configured to beattached to the lens mounting plate using a fourth attaching means,where attaching the lens retainer to the lens mounting plate secures aplacement of the lens on the lens mounting plate.

According to some aspects, a light assembly configured to be installedin a movie theatre projector includes an adaptor configured tomechanically couple with a bulb mount of the movie projector. Further,the light assembly includes one or more cooling fans configured togenerate airflow, where the one or more cooling fans are attachable tothe adaptor using a first attaching means. Moreover, the light assemblyincludes a heat sink configured to dissipate heat, where the heat sinkis attachable to the one or more cooling fans using the first attachingmeans. Further, the light assembly includes a first thermal transfer padconfigured to conduct heat, where the first thermal transfer pad isattachable to the heat sink using a second attaching means. Yet further,the light assembly includes a primary mounting plate configured to beattached to the first thermal transfer pad using the second attachingmeans. Moreover, the light assembly includes a second thermal transferpad configured to conduct heat, where the second thermal transfer pad isattachable to the primary mounting plate using the second attachingmeans. Further, the light assembly includes a board configured to beattached to the second thermal transfer pad using the second attachingmeans. Yet further, the light assembly includes an LED Array configuredto generate light, where the LED Array is mounted on the board.Moreover, the light assembly includes a shroud configured to collimatelight generated by the LED Array onto a projector lens comprised in themovie theatre projector, where the shroud is configured to be attachedto the board.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a projector bulb 100 in aprojector used in theatres, according to prior art. The projector bulb100 may include, but is not limited to, High Intensity Discharge (HID)lamp, Xenon lamp, halogen lamp, mercury short-arc lamp, and metal halidelamp.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a light assembly 200 configured to beinstalled in a movie theatre projector, in accordance with variousembodiments disclosed herein. FIG. 3 shows a cross-section view of thelight assembly 200 of FIG. 2, after assembly. FIG. 4 shows a perspectiveview of one end of the light assembly 200 of FIG. 2 installed in a movietheatre projector. The light assembly 200 may be configured to replacethe projector bulb 100, which may an are discharge lamp and/or anincandescent lamp. The light assembly 200 may include an adaptor 202configured to mechanically couple with a bulb mount 40:2 of the movietheatre projector. The adaptor 202 may include a cylindrical extension,where an external surface of the cylindrical extension may include screwthreading configured to mate with a complimentary screw threadingcomprised in an internal surface of the bulb mount 402. Further, thelight assembly 200 may include a female socket 204 rigidly connected tothe adaptor 202. The light assembly 200 may also include a male socket206 configured to mate with the female socket 204. Yet further, thelight assembly 200 may include one or more cooling fans 208 configuredto generate airflow. The one or more cooling fans 208 may be attachableto the male socket 206 using a first attaching means. For example, thefirst attaching means may include multiple fan mounting screws 210, asocket adaptor plate 212, socket mounting screws 214 and multiplespacers 216.

Moreover, the light assembly 200 may include a heat sink 218 configuredto dissipate heat. The socket adaptor plate 212 may be disposed betweenthe male socket 206 and the heat sink 218, where the socket adaptorplate 212 may be configured to be attached to each of the male socket206 and the heat sink 218 using the first attaching means. The multiplespacers 216 may be disposed between the socket adaptor plate 212 and theheat sink 218, where the multiple spacers 216 may be configured tomaintain a predetermined distance between the socket adaptor plate 212and the heat sink 218 when the socket adaptor plate 212 may be attachedto the heat sink 218 using the first attaching means.

Further, the heat sink 218 may be attachable to the one or more coolingfans 208 using the first attaching means. Further, the one or morecooling fans 208 may include multiple cooling fans configured to beattached to each other using the first attaching means. Each of theone)r more cooling fans 208 may be configured to be simultaneouslyoperational. Further, one or more cooling fans in the one or morecooling fans 208 may he configured to be activated based on failure ofone or more other cooling fans in the one or more cooling fans 208.Accordingly, the light assembly 200 may also include a failure indicatordevice configured to indicate failure of a cooling fan in the one ormore cooling fans 208.

Further, the light assembly 200 may include a first thermal transfer pad220 configured to conduct heat. The first thermal transfer pad 220 maybe attachable to the heat sink 218 using a second attaching means. Yetfurther, the light assembly 200 may include a primary mounting plate 222configured to be attached to the first thermal transfer pad 220 usingthe second attaching means. The light assembly 200 may include a secondthermal transfer pad 224 configured to conduct heat. The second thermaltransfer pad 224 may be attachable to the primary mounting plate 222using the second attaching means.

Further, the light assembly 200 may include a board 226 configured to beattached to the second thermal transfer pad 224 using the secondattaching means. A Light Emitting Diode (LED) Array 228 may be mountedon the board 226. The LED Array 228 may be configured to generate lightand is composed of a multitude of individual LEDs. For example, thesecond attaching means may include a threaded lamp secure screw 230. Anycombination of the heat sink, cooling fan(s), thermal transfer pads, andthe first and second attaching means may be considered to be part of acooling assembly.

In addition, the light assembly 200 may include a lens mounting plate232 configured to be attached to the primary mounting plate 222 using athird attaching means. The lens mounting plate 232 may be transparent tothe light emitted by the LED Array 228. Multiple lens mount standoffs234 may be configured to maintain a predetermined distance between thelens mounting plate 232 and the primary mounting plate 222 when the lensmounting plate 232 is attached to the primary mounting plate 222.Further, a lens 236 may he disposed over the lens mounting plate 232.The lens 236 may be configured to collimate light emitted from the LEDArray 228. For example, the third attaching means may include one ormore of the multiple lens mount standoffs 234 and multiple lens mountingscrews 238. The third attaching means may be considered to be orconsidered to be part of an attachment assembly.

Further, a lens retainer 240 may be attached to the lens mounting plate232. The lens retainer 240 may secure a placement of the lens 236 on thelens mounting plate 232. The lens retainer 240 may be configured to beattached to the lens mounting plate 232 using a fourth attaching means.For example, the fourth attaching means may include lens retainingscrews 242.

In some embodiments, the adaptor 202 may be configured to receiveelectrical power from the bulb mount 402 when the adaptor ismechanically coupled to the bulb mount 402. Accordingly, in anembodiment, the power available at the bulb mount 402 may be used topower the LED Array 228. Therefore, the light assembly 200 may includeadditional electrical circuitry, such as but not limited to, AC to DCconverter connected to the bulb mount and the LED Array 228. In analternative embodiment, the bulb mount 402 may function as a support formounting the light assembly 200 while LED Array 228 may be poweredeither from a DC power source or the AC power source of the movietheatre projector tapped from another point. In other words, in anembodiment, the adaptor 202 may not be configured to establish anelectrical connection with the bulb mount 402.

In some embodiments, the bulb mount 402 corresponds to an anode or acathode. The conventional bulb (such as, the projector bulb 100 used inthe movie theatre projector, such as an are discharge lamp or anincandescent lamp includes two terminals that are configured toelectrically connect with an anode terminal and a cathode terminalprovided in the movie theatre projector. Further, the conventionalprojector bulb 100 is configured to be mechanically coupled to each ofthe anode terminal and the cathode terminal. However, the mechanism ofmechanical coupling may differ between the anode terminal and thecathode terminal. In particular, the cathode terminal is configured tobe coupled by a screw-based coupling mechanism while the anode terminalis configured to be coupled by a clip-based coupling mechanism.Accordingly, the light assembly 200 may be provided with the adaptor 202configured to be mechanically coupled with either the anode terminal orthe cathode terminal. Further, in some embodiments, the adaptor 202 maybe configured to couple with both the anode terminal and the cathodeterminal by means of a hybrid coupling mechanism comprised in theadaptor 202 that is configured to mechanically couple with both theanode terminal and the cathode terminal. However, in the case where theadaptor 202 is configured to be mechanically coupled with the anode, aspatial arrangement of the components of the light assembly 200 may besuch that the adaptor 202 does not fall in the path of light exiting thelens 236.

In further embodiments, the light assembly 200 may include an AC-DCconverter configured to convert alternating current to direct current,wherein the AC-DC converter is configured to provide power to the LEDArray 228. According to currently available LED technology, it ispreferable to provide only DC to power the LED Array 228. However, in anembodiment, the LED Array 228 may be such that they may safely operatethrough their life span on AC as well. Accordingly, in an embodiment,the light assembly 200 may not include the AC-DC converter. Further, theLED Array 228 may further be configured to operate directly at thevoltage levels generally provided at the bulb mount 402 of the movieprojector, such as but not limited to, above 1 kV. Yet further, theAC-DC converter may include a power adjuster configured to adjust apower level supplied to the LED Array 228.

Moreover, the AC-DC converter may be electrically connected to theadaptor 202, where the adaptor 202 is configured to receive electricalpower from the bulb mount 402. Accordingly, in an embodiment, althoughthe adaptor 202 may receive electrical power from the bulb mount 402,the AC-DC converter may be situated external to the light assembly 200.Accordingly, the AC-DC converter may not be mechanically attached to thelight assembly 200. Further, the AC-DC converter may be configured to beattached to the light assembly 200 by using a fifth attaching means.Accordingly, in an embodiment, the AC-DC converter may be disposedanywhere in the light assembly 200 and attached using one or more of thefirst attaching means, second attaching means, third attaching means,fourth attaching means and a fifth attaching means. For example, in anembodiment, the AC-DC converter may be disposed on the board 226comprising the LED Array 228. Accordingly, the light assembly 200 maycomprise an electrical path leading from the bulb mount 402 (i.e., oneor more of the cathode terminal and the anode terminal of the movietheatre projector) to the AC-DC converter. In another example, the AC-DCconverter may be mounted on a separate PCB board configured to beattached to any of the modular components of the light assembly 200.Accordingly, the light assembly 200 may further include electrical pathsleading from the bulb mount 402 (i.e., one or more of the anode terminaland the cathode terminal) and to the LED Array 228.

In some embodiments, not all of the components shown in FIGS. 2 and 3are used to form the light assembly. For example, a light assembly mayinclude the adaptor 202 configured to mechanically couple to the bulbmount 402 of the movie theatre projector, the primary LED Emittermounting plate 222 and at least one LED (e.g., LED array 228, SMD-typeLED, COB-type LED, etc.) directly or indirectly attached to the primaryLED Emitter mounting plate 222. The light assembly may also include acooling assembly configured to dissipate heat from the primary LEDEmitter mounting plate 222. The cooling assembly may include a heat sinkconfigured to dissipate heat from the primary LED Emitter mountingplate, a cooling fan configured to generate airflow past the heat sinkand/or one or more thermal pads in contact with the primary LED Emittermounting plate, but not necessarily all of these. The light assembly mayalso include a lens 236 configured to collimate light emitted from theat least one LED. The lens 236 may be attached directly or indirectly tothe primary LED emitter mounting plate 222.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a light assembly 500 configured to beinstalled in movie theatre projector, accordance with some embodiments.FIG. 6 shows another perspective view of the light assembly 500. Thelight assembly 500 may include an adaptor 502 configured to mechanicallycouple with a bulb mount 40:2 of the movie theatre projector. Further,the light assembly 500 may include one or more cooling fans 504configured to generate airflow, where the one or more cooling fans 504may be attachable to the adaptor 502 using a first attaching means.Further, the light assembly 500 may include a heat sink 506 configuredto dissipate heat, where the heat sink 506 is attachable to the one ormore cooling fans 504 using the first attaching means.

Moreover, the light assembly 500 may include a first thermal transferpad (not shown) configured to conduct heat, where the first thermaltransfer pad is attachable to the heat sink 506 using a second attachingmeans. The light assembly 500 may also include a primary mounting plateconfigured to be attached to the first thermal transfer pad using thesecond attaching means. Further, the light assembly 500 may include asecond thermal transfer pad configured to conduct heat, where the secondthermal transfer pad is attachable to the primary mounting plate usingthe second attaching means.

In addition, the light assembly 500 may include a board 508 configuredto be attached to the second thermal transfer pad using the secondattaching means. The light assembly 500 may also include LED Array 510configured to generate light, where the LED Array 510 is mounted on theboard 508. Further, the light assembly 500 may include a lens mountingplate (not shown) configured to be attached to the primary mountingplate using a third attaching means, where the lens mounting plate istransparent to the light emitted by the LED Array 510. The lightassembly 500 may include multiple lens mount standoffs configured tomaintain a predetermined distance between the lens mounting plate andthe primary mounting plate when the lens mounting plate is attached tothe primary mounting plate. Further, a lens may be configured tocollimate light emitted from the LED Array, where the lens may bedisposed over the lens mounting plate. Yet further, a lens retainer maybe configured to be attached to the lens mounting plate using a fourthattaching means, where attaching the lens retainer to the lens mountingplate secures a placement of the lens on the lens mounting plate.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a light assembly 700 retrofitted in amovie projector, in accordance with some embodiments. The light assembly700 may include an adaptor 702 configured to mechanically couple with abulb mount 704 of the movie projector. Further, the light assembly 700may include one or more cooling fans 706 configured to generate airflow,where the one or more cooling fans 706 may be attachable to the adaptor702 using a first attaching means.

Moreover, the light assembly 700 may include a heat sink 708 configuredto dissipate heat, where the heat sink 708 may be attachable to the oneor more cooling fans 706 using the first attaching means. The lightassembly 700 may also include a first thermal transfer pad configured toconduct heat, where the first thermal transfer pad is attachable to theheat sink 708 using a second attaching means. Further, the lightassembly 700 may include a primary mounting plate configured to beattached to the first thermal transfer pad using the second attachingmeans. Yet further, a second thermal transfer pad may be configured toconduct heat, where the second thermal transfer may be attachable to theprimary mounting plate using the second attaching means.

In addition, the light assembly 700 may also include a board 710configured to be attached to the second thermal transfer pad using thesecond attaching means. Further, the light assembly 700 may include LEDArray configured to generate light, where the LED Array is mounted onthe board 710. Yet further, a shroud 712 configured to collimate lightgenerated by the LED Array onto a projector lens 714 comprised in themovie theatre projector, where the shroud 712 is configured to beattached to the board 710. In an embodiment, the shroud 712 may beconfigured to be attached to the lens mounting plate by a fastener, suchas, but not limited to, screws. Accordingly, the shroud 712 may berigidly attached to the lens mounting plate while being freely movablewith respect to the movie theatre projector lens.

Further, the light assembly 700 may also include an adjustment rod 716configured to adjust an alignment of the light assembly 700 in relationto the projector lens, where a foot portion of the adjustment rod 716 isconfigured to be immovably mounted on a base 718 of the movie theatreprojector, where a head portion of the adjustment rod is movablyattachable to the shroud 712.

Further, the adaptor 702 may be configured to form a tight contact withan interior surface of a projector shroud 720 comprised in the movietheatre projector, where the tight contact directs air flow for cooling,and where the light assembly 700 may be configured to be disposed withinan interior volume of the projector shroud 720.

FIGS. 8A-8B show perspective views of a light assembly retrofitted in amovie theatre projector and including an attachment assembly, inaccordance with some embodiments. FIG. 8A shows an adaptor 802 with anelongated portion 804. Primary mount 806 is attached to lens mount 808,in which lens 810 is disposed over the lens mount 808. The primary mount806 is attached to the lens mount 808 by an attachment assembly thatenables the adjustment of the position of the lens mount 808 withrespect to the primary mount 806. The attachment assembly or a portionof the attachment assembly may be manipulated (e.g., by rotation ortwisting) so as to adjust the distance between the LEDs on the primarymount 806 and a lens aperture involving the lens 810.

For example, the primary mount 806 may be attached to arms 812 thatcontain the lens mount 808. The lens mount 808 is able to move towardsand away from the primary mount 806 while contained within the arms 812.The lens mount 808 may have threaded portions 814 on the outer sides ofthe lens mount 808 that protrude from the lens mount through the gaps inthe arms 812 and are used to guide the lens mount 808 towards and awayfrom the primary mount 806. A collar ring 816 that is threaded on itsinner circumference surrounds the arms 812 and the lens mount 808. Thethreaded portions 814 on the outside of the lens mount 808 engage thethreaded portion on the inside of the collar ring 816. The arms 812, thethreaded portions 814 and/or the collar ring 816 may be considered anattachment assembly for attaching the primary mount 806 to the lensmount 808 in such a way that the distance between them can be adjustedby manipulation of the attachment assembly or at least a portion of theattachment assembly.

When the collar ring 816 is rotated or twisted in one direction, thelens mount 808 travels away from the primary mount 806, such that thedistance between the LED emitters on the primary mount 806 and the lens810 increases. The before and after positions of this manipulation areshown, respectively, by FIGS. 8A and 8B. When the collar ring 816 isrotated in the other direction, the lens mount 808 draws back towardsthe primary mount 806. There may be markings 818 that indicated whatmark the lens mount 808 is to be moved to based on the type ofconventional bulb that is being replaced by the light assembly. Theattachment assembly may also be a “twist-lock” system that locks inplace at each of the settings.

FIGS. 9A-9B show perspective views of a light assembly retrofitted in amovie theatre projector with an adjustable adaptor, in accordance withsome embodiments. FIG. 9B shows the elongated portion 804 of the adaptor802 adjusted to be shorter than the elongated portion 804 shown in FIG.9A. The adjustment may be made by manipulation (e.g., rotation ortwisting) of the adaptor 802, or the elongated portion 804 of theadaptor 802. This adjustment changes the distance between the bulb mount402 and ultimately the primary mount 806. This may also be a twist-locksystem that can be adjusted to markings (e.g., for model “A”, model “B”,etc.) based on the conventional bulb model being replaced. Theseadjustable features provide for in-place sizing of the light assembly(e.g., without changing out attachment assembly parts) that accounts fordifferent sizes of the conventional bulb that is being replaced.

Although the invention has been explained in conjunction with a numberof embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications andvariations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in theapplicable arts. Accordingly, applicant intends to embrace all suchalternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that are withinthe spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A light assembly configured to be installed in amovie theatre projector, the light assembly comprising: an adaptorconfigured to mechanically couple to a bulb mount of the movie theatreprojector; a primary Light Emitting Diode (LED) Emitter mounting plate;at least one LED directly or indirectly attached to the primary LEDEmitter mounting plate; a heat sink configured to dissipate heat fromthe primary LED Emitter mounting plate; a cooling fan configured togenerate airflow across the heat sink; a lens mounting plate; a lensconfigured to collimate light emitted from the at least one LED, whereinthe lens is disposed over the lens mounting plate; and an attachmentassembly configured to attach lens mounting plate to the primary Emittermounting plate.
 2. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachmentassembly comprises a plurality of lens mount standoffs that attach thelens mounting plate to the primary LED Emitter mounting plate so as tomaintain a predetermined distance between the at least one LED and thelens.
 3. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment assemblyis configured to be manipulated to adjust a distance between the atleast one LED and the lens.
 4. The tight assembly of claim 3, whereinthe attachment assembly is configured to adjust the distance between theat least one LED and the lens in response to a rotation of theattachment assembly or a portion of the attachment assembly.
 5. Thelight assembly of claim 1, wherein the lens mounting plate istransparent to the light emitted by the at least one LED.
 6. The lightassembly of claim 1, further comprising a lens retainer directly orindirectly attached to the lens mounting plate, wherein attachment ofthe lens retainer to the lens mounting plate secures a placement of thelens on the lens mounting plate.
 7. The light assembly of claim 1,wherein the at least one LED is one of a surface-mount device (SMD) LEDtype and a large chip-on-board (COB) type.
 8. The light assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the adaptor is configured to be manipulated to adjust adistance between the bulb mount of the movie theatre projector and theprimary LED Emitter mounting plate.
 9. A light assembly configured to beinstalled in a movie theatre projector, the light assembly comprising:an adaptor configured to mechanically couple to a bulb mount of themovie theatre projector at a first end of the adaptor; a primary LightEmitting Diode (LED) Emitter mounting plate; at least one LED directlyor indirectly attached to the primary LED Emitter mounting plate; a heatsink configured to dissipate heat from the primary LED Emitter mountingplate; and a cooling fan configured to generate airflow past the heatsink, wherein the adaptor comprises an elongated portion extending fromthe first end of the adaptor towards the primary LED Emitter mountingplate, wherein the adaptor is configured to be manipulated to adjust alength of the elongated portion so as to adjust a location of theprimary LED Emitter owning plate in relation to a projector lensaperture.
 10. The light assembly of claim 9, wherein the adaptor isconfigured to adjust the length of the elongated portion in response toa rotation of the adaptor or the elongated portion.
 11. The lightassembly of claim 9, wherein the adaptor is further configured to form atight contact with an interior surface of a projector shroud in themovie theatre projector, wherein the tight contact directs air flowacross the heat sink for cooling, and wherein the light assembly isconfigured to be disposed within an interior volume of the projectorshroud.
 12. A light assembly configured to be installed in a movietheatre projector, the light assembly comprising: an adaptor configuredto mechanically couple to a bulb mount of the movie theatre projector; aprimary Light Emitting Diode (LED) Emitter mounting plate; at least oneLED directly or indirectly attached to the primary LED Emitter mountingplate; a cooling assembly configured to dissipate heat from the primaryLED Emitter mounting plate; and a lens configured to collimate lightemitted from the t least one LED.
 13. The light assembly of claim 12,wherein the cooling assembly comprises at least one of: a heat sinkconfigured to dissipate heat from the primary LED Emitter mountingplate; a cooling fan configured to generate airflow past the heat sink;and one or more thermal pads in contact with the primary LED Emittermounting plate.
 14. The light assembly of claim 12, wherein the bulbmount corresponds to one of an anode and a cathode.
 15. The lightassembly of claim 12, wherein adaptor is configured to mechanicallycouple to a bulb mount that is configured for receiving at east one ofan are discharge lamp and an incandescent lamp.